Suzanne Graham

On the 4th of July we celebrate America’s birthday. It was an appropriate day to visit the Cumberland Gap and admire the bravery of the pioneers, who pushed through to the west.

In 1775 – one year before the colonists signed the Declaration of Independence – Daniel Boone led the first group of families through the Appalachians to their new homes in Kentucky. Today our family walked along the Wilderness Trail through the gap. We climbed to the top of Tri State Peak, where you can be in Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia all at the same time.

Of all possible vacation activities, hiking in the mountains is my favorite. Don’t ask me whether I like the strenuous exercise from the steep inclines, the fresh air and trees, or the view from the top the best. They all combine to make a mountain hike a refreshing experience.

When we got down, we had a tailgate picnic at the car. Turkey sandwiches for HH and SS and a peanut butter sandwich for DD. I had salmon mixed with peas and carrots in a bowl. I sliced nectarines and apples for all.

We drove to the Pinnacle for another short hike to where we could look down on the Cumberland Gap. When you see the solid wall of mountains – 600 miles long – and realize there is only one place in the south where it’s possible to get through, you realize the significance of the gap to the history of the country.

SS has exams next week, and needed to have some study time. After dinner (food to go from Applebees) he practiced on the family. He tested our muscles for strength, and measured our joints for range of motion. He confirmed what I already knew, that my legs are much stronger than my arms. He noted that I can turn my head farther to the right than I can to the left. I never knew that! My husband, who had back surgery more than 20 years ago, worries that one of his legs is not as strong as the other. According to SS, the strength level is about the same in both legs.

In a small way we on the blood type diet are pioneers. We are showing people around us a revolutionary way of eating and living. Be brave when people ridicule the way you eat. Persevere when you can’t find anything beneficial to eat in a restaurant. It’s hard at first, and it seems like it’s all uphill, but you will break through.